Temple Blessings for Beja


We were blessed to go to the Lisbon, Portugal Temple with our sweet Beja Branch!  36 people were able to come on the bus.  21 went inside the Temple and 15 enjoyed being on the grounds and in the small visitor's center.  With all there is to do in Lisbon, it was wonderful to note that most everyone stayed right at the Temple for the full 8 hour day.  A Joyous time of learning for all of us.  

Our Branch President, Paulo, had asked us to get a speaker for this special occasion and also asked us to participate in teaching The Plan of Happiness related to the Temple.  We had the branch members help us as we explained each step.  But, we must tell you how excited we were when after a few phone calls...we were able to schedule with a counselor in the Temple Presidency that was willing to come speak to our small branch.  President Edson Tsuchiya has served as a counselor for 3 years and was just called to be the President for another 3 years beginning this August, before going back home to Brasil!  He is such kind and inspired man and shared a great message with all of us.  When we heard that he was Japanese and from near Sao Paulo, Brasil, our hearts were amazed at such loving detail...(because two investigators attended the Temple day and sweet Lidia is from Sao Paulo, Brasil and is Japanese.)  









We are in the middle of so many stories...but also need to prepare our home and food supply as we have a Family Home Evening in Beja this evening and two zoom mtgs. This is a blessing in our lives to meet these great people of such simple and profound faith...

Well, one more experience from yesterday since we told you last week about Jose.  Remember, that he had missed the blessings from not paying tithing or attending church for over 10 years and decided to come back.  Well, grandpa put one of his white shirts and a tie in the car for him, just in case, but when we drove up to his door, he was standing out front in his suit. (no cigarettes, no ear-rings, no sadness this time, just his smile.  (And two of his neighbors,waiting outside with him to see him return to his church all dressed up.)  

When we arrived at the church, he got out, looked up at the building, and just stood there.  He said, 
"I remember all of this."  



After the meeting there was a branch counsel, but he wanted to go in and shake everyone's hands before we left...and so we did, and he got a few hugs as well.  What a day! 

And it even got better when we returned home to teach a 2nd lesson to our dear friend in Evora.  But that is another very special story for another day...as we have laundry to hang up.  We love you soooooo much!  See you all on Zoom for Laura and Logans' wedding at The Logan Temple this Saturday!!!  You are all in our fervant prayers, We Love you so much, Grandpa and Grandma Benedito

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